Sometimes it’s wiser to say ‘never’

Mediation Circus

By Michael R. Panter

Hon. Michael R. Panter (Ret.) is a senior mediator at ADR Systems of America LLC. He previously served in the Law, Family and Municipal Divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court. He was a trial lawyer for 30 years. Share responses and comments at mikepanter.com.

Posted May 16, 2018 2:35 PM

I accept that Taylor Swift and I are never, ever getting back together.I accept that I will never be Celt of the Year.I accept that I will never dunk a basketball, use Snapchat or get my wife Holly anywhere on time.You can spit into the wind. You could pull on Superman’s cape. But there are some true “nevers.” Here are a few.Never tell a judge, “With all due respect … .” This is very close to No. 1 on many judges’ lists of nevers. It’s the protasis to an unspoken apodosis …

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